Main menu

Tag Archives: Bill Ochester

Post navigation

Pottstown, PA – Visit historic Pottsgrove Manor on Saturday, March 4, 2016 at 1:00pm for a historical lecture to open the site’s new exhibit, “Rise and Shine at the Manor,” which is set to run through November 5th.

At 1:00pm, visitors will have a chance to meet founding father Benjamin Franklin, as portrayed by Bill Ochester. Learn about Franklin’s contributions to everyday life, including the idea of Daylight Savings time!

After the lecture, visitors can take a guided tour of Pottsgrove Manor and the new exhibit. As the first rays of the morning’s sun streamed through the windows of Pottsgrove Manor, the house would already be busy with a myriad of early morning household tasks and the rituals of starting another day. See how the humble activities of daily life differed from- or were often remarkably similar to- the activities we are familiar with today.

There is a suggested donation of $2.00 per person for the lecture and tour.

Visitors can also take a guided tour of Pottsgrove Manor and the “Rise and Shine at the Manor” exhibit during regular museum hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm and Sunday from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Tours begin on the hour. The last tour of the day begins at 3:00pm.

Pottsgrove Manor is located at 100 West King Street near the intersection of King Street and Route 100, just off Route 422, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Pottsgrove Manor is operated by Montgomery County under the direction of the Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites Division of the Assets and Infrastructure Department. For more information, please call 610-326-4014, or visit the website at www.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor. Like Pottsgrove Manor on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pottsgrovemanor.

Pottstown, PA – Come to Pottsgrove Manor on Saturday, June 8, 2013 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm for a visit with one of John Potts’ friends at the program “An Evening with Dr. Franklin.”

In 1742, Benjamin Franklin and Robert Grace (who would later become John Potts’ brother-in-law) cast the first Franklin stove at Warwick Furnace in Chester County. In this program, get a chance to meet Dr. Franklin, as portrayed by Bill Ochester, and learn about his invention, the “Pennsylvania Fireplace.” Mr. Ochester has been portraying Benjamin Franklin for over a decade, appearing at venues all over the country, including Valley Forge National Historical Park, Old City Philadelphia, the National Constitution Center, and the National Fourth of July Parade in Washington, DC.

After his formal presentation, visitors can chat with Dr. Franklin, enjoy colonial-style refreshments, and tour the first floor of the Potts’ mansion. There is a $2.00 per person suggested donation for the program, which is recommended for children ages 10 and up.

This program is being held in conjunction with Pottsgrove Manor’s current exhibit, “Forging a Lifestyle: Ironworking with the Potts Family.” The exhibit can be viewed during a guided tour of Pottsgrove Manor during regular museum hours Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm, and Sunday, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Tours are given on the hour. The last tour of the day begins at 3:00pm. The site is closed Mondays and major holidays. Groups of ten or more should preregister by calling (610) 326-4014.

Pottsgrove Manor, home of John Potts, colonial ironmaster and founder of Pottstown, is located at 100 West King Street near the intersection of King Street and Route 100, just off Route 422, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Pottsgrove Manor is operated by Montgomery County under the direction of the Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites Division of the Assets and Infrastructure Department. For more information and a full calendar of events, please visit the website web at www.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor. Like Pottsgrove Manor on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PottsgroveManor